Check out the Traditional Arts Festival in Diriyah this weekend

Written by:
Afrah Bari
26th March 2026

The festival will celebrate traditional performing arts from across the Kingdom

The Saudi Ministry of Culture is inviting you to explore the art of traditional Saudi performances from all over the country, and it’s an event you’ll likely not want to miss. Welcome to the Traditional Arts Festival in Diriyah.

The Traditional Arts Festival in Diriyah is happening from Thursday March 26 to Wednesday April 8, promising 14 days full of rich cultural experiences dedicated to exploring everything the Kingdom has to offer when it comes to ranging from poetry nights to workshops, musical showcases, and traditional rhythms from across the Kingdom’s diverse regions.

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The festival aims to nurture creative talent across various fields while strengthening cultural identity and promoting creativity and excellence, according to Arab News. It even features a dedicated performance arena to showcase traditional arts from across the Kingdom, reflecting its cultural diversity.

Festival highlights include Nabati poetry evenings, along with workshops designed to teach the fundamentals of traditional arts through hands-on participation in a simplified format. The event will also feature “The Story of the Sea,” a live performance that recreates the atmosphere of coastal life and showcases traditional sea chants historically used to motivate sailors.

The festival offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the artistic expressions that have shaped Saudi Arabia’s cultural memory, in a lively atmosphere that reflects the richness and diversity of our heritage. For those who wish to go beyond watching, interactive activities give visitors the chance to actively participate alongside performing groups.